Booking Villa at Grand Californian

[SLPigglet]

Any one had luck booking 7 months out for a 2 BR in early June? Like to take advantage of reasonable air fare but not if my chances of getting a villa are slim.

 

[boiseflyfisher]

This has been discussed quite a bit. General agreement is that in order to get a reservation at 7 months, you need to be online right when the window opens. To your advantage, the 2br villas are last to book up. Keep in mind that there are only 48 villas.

 

[disneynutz]

There are 23 Dedicated 2BR villas and 23 Lockoffs, a total of 46 possible 2 bedrooms.

Bill

 

[cwdefouw]

We got a studio in late may of this year right at the 7 month window, and there were 2 bedrooms available. Your best bet is to be online right at the opening of the 7 month window, you could also monitor availability during the few days leading up to your window. You may need some flexibility in dates. A backup plan would also be in order.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I just booked a 1BR for VGC for President's Day week in February at 7 months. I was worried about it, because #1, President's Day week. #2, it is the last week at (much) lower points until September. We leave for home Feb 23, the day the points jump up.

I began looking at availability 3-4 days before my actual trip date 7 month window opened, and I saw the room was available starting on that Monday. And I got it.

With VGC, I think weekends are popular, many owners live in California, have APs, etc. It is different than WDW where people go for a week. And because the weekend before President's Day WAS all booked, (the Fri/Sat/Sun nights), no one could "walk" their new 7 month reservation thru that roadblock, which helped me get my dates. I think. I wanted to arrive on Sunday, but Monday is fine, I booked 6 nights.

 

[Sandisw]

The problem with VGC is it is the only one and its not as easy to get at 7 months so IMO, it would be risky to book airfare prior to securing your reservation.

 

[TagsMissy]

I can't wait until they build more villas there.... of course all rumour and speculation but they definitely need more!

 

[PatMcDuck]

One hears runors about the DL Hotel getting a DVC (new) building, which would be ok, I love the DL Hotel. But there would be no views of the park from there, and it would be the longest walk to the parks of the hotels at DL (but still walkable IMHO).

It would be sweet if they built a new hotel instead and converted PP to DVC. PP has great views from some of the rooms.

 

[undchefreak]

I booked a one bedroom for a weekend of fall break two days after the 7 month window opened (the turn of Feb to March tripped me up) And 2-beds were available at that time. At the same time, I wait listed a studio for the same weekend and ended up getting that about two months ago (Yeah!). That's just one experience, but a good one.

 

[PSU]

First time trying for VGC - last minute - kind-of.... trip over the thanksgiving week for family - got 1 night 2 bdrm.. need one more night - waitlisted -
Was thinking of booking 2 hotel rms there as a back-up - but would like to not have my elderly MIL have to change rooms...anyone have any luck paying cash for a 2 bdrm? (online I can't see inventory) Gues I have to call direct??

 

[boiseflyfisher]

First time trying for VGC - last minute - kind-of.... trip over the thanksgiving week for family - got 1 night 2 bdrm.. need one more night - waitlisted -
Was thinking of booking 2 hotel rms there as a back-up - but would like to not have my elderly MIL have to change rooms...anyone have any luck paying cash for a 2 bdrm? (online I can't see inventory) Gues I have to call direct??

I haven't seen VGC available for cash in the past couple of years. It isn't that bad to switch rooms as the resort is so small, even if you are changing hotels.

 

[PSU]

Thanks for the info..will book something in the hotel then...

 

[sgtpet]

As backup can't you use points for the hotel? I guess the risk besides the fee cost is that if your waitlist comes through those hotel points cannot be used back for DVC usage. Ugh. Too bad we don't have that exception for Disneyland.

 

[SLPigglet]

I changed my dates to April 5-10. My spring break. No problem getting a villa 7 months out. And no grads!

 

[6bowmans]

Any one had luck booking 7 months out for a 2 BR in early June? Like to take advantage of reasonable air fare but not if my chances of getting a villa are slim.

Yes. We have not had a problem booking a 2-bedroom in late May/early June. If you check availability, May 2014 is still wide open for 2-bedrooms. At VGC, the dedicated 2-bedrooms are the last to get reserved.

 

[DebbieB]

As backup can't you use points for the hotel? I guess the risk besides the fee cost is that if your waitlist comes through those hotel points cannot be used back for DVC usage. Ugh. Too bad we don't have that exception for Disneyland.

There is no fee for Disneyland resorts, so that is an exception. No rule of 4 either. But once you book Disney Collection, they do remain reservation points (can't be used for DVC).

 

[ludari]

I would be curious on the number and type of DVC rooms they have available at GC. Anyone know?

 

[boiseflyfisher]

I would be curious on the number and type of DVC rooms they have available at GC. Anyone know?

There are 23 dedicated 2brs, 23 lock off 2brs that can be split into a 1br and a studio, and 2 grand villas. With only 23 available studios, people should not be surprised when they book up right away.

 

[ludari]

There are 23 dedicated 2brs, 23 lock off 2brs that can be split into a 1br and a studio, and 2 grand villas. With only 23 available studios, people should not be surprised when they book up right away.

Thanks. I knew someone would respond.

 

[sandysue]

You don't want to go in Late May/Early June, or get the 2BV. Don't jump into that briar patch!
(just kidding... I'm counting the days 'til I can make our 7-month ressie).